Yixing Terracotta Teapot - Lotus Essence 蓮蓬

Yixing Terracotta Teapot - Lotus Essence 蓮蓬

The Lotus Essence draws its inspiration from the lotus, a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and rebirth in Chinese culture. The design reflects the natural beauty and sacred significance of the lotus flower, particularly focusing on the seed pod (蓮蓬), which represents abundance, growth, and the unfolding of wisdom.

The body of the teapot is crafted in the rounded, bulbous shape of a lotus seed pod, with subtle texturing or detailed carvings mimicking the seed patterns. This design choice not only adds a tactile and visual element but also symbolizes fertility and the potential for new life, much like the lotus seed itself. 

Artist 孙永才 Sun Yongcai Bio:

Born in 1984 in Yixing, the capital of ceramics, Sun Yongcai's works are rooted in traditional techniques, showcasing solid foundational skills. His plain teapots are simple and elegant, while his floral teapots are reserved and sophisticated, meticulously crafted with a balance between expressiveness and precision. 

His creations embody the essence of Chinese culture seemingly simple yet profound, understated but rich in meaning, with a classic yet innovative form. He applies skillful variations in shape and selects pure, high-quality raw clay from a single mine, known for its fine texture and pleasing, natural colors. His works are warm, delicate, and avoid excessive ornamentation, focusing on elegance. 

In addition to aesthetics, Sun emphasizes practicality and ease of use, ensuring that his teapots are comfortable to hold, have a balanced thickness, and pour tea smoothly. His approach integrates both form and function, allowing the user to experience both beauty and the joy of tea drinking. Each piece incorporates his personal ideas and has been featured in numerous major domestic art exhibitions, earning various honors.

In 2005, “Fish Transforming into Dragon” (鱼化龙) won the Gold Award at the first China Zi Sha Exposition in Hebei Province.

In 2006, “Lotus Seed” (莲子) won the Gold Award for Innovation in Chinese Arts and Crafts.

In 2007, “Pumpkin” (南瓜) won the Gold Award at the 2nd Putian Strait Arts and Crafts Exposition.

In 2011, “Bamboo Shadow Teapot” (竹影壶) won the Gold Award at the 4th China (Nanning) National Arts and Crafts Exposition.

• Name: 蓮蓬 Lotus Essence
• Artist: 孙永才Sun Yongcai
• Type of Terracotta: 原礦老青灰段泥 Duan Ni 
• Capacity: 200 ml
• Thickness: 6 (scale of 1 thin to 9 thick)
• Product Code: APR5990
• Ideal Oolong teas